Herbal Medicines

Anela most likely devotes about a third of her waking day to grooming herself. Every time she eats, she immediately begins licking herself--she is fastidious as are so many cats.

The theory behind cats cleaning themselves is that their saliva contains a deodorizing substance. Did you also know that grooming also offers other benefits? Besides the removal of dead hair and skin, the grooming tones up muscles and stimulates blood circulation.

Cats are mysterious creatures. They see more and know more than us humans. It's always fascinating for me to observe my cat Anela, for she seems to be more aware of invisible energies.

For instance, very often I'll be talking to a friend or family member, and Anela will walk in the room. She will turn her head around and gaze at the door she just walked in, and then her eyes will follow an invisible-to-us something or someone around the room. She won't move, but her intense, focused gaze tells us that she's watching something. She doesn't seem scared or nervous--just interested. We say to ourselves that Anela must be seeing a ghost!

The other night she decided that she wanted to go out of our FRONT door THREE times in the course of the evening....and this is something she never demands as she has a cat door which she uses. BUT there was SOMETHING outside--another mystery! Oh I wish I could get into her head and see and know what she does! Wouldn't it be wonderful to know what cats TRULY think, feel, and like?

As for me, if I were a cat, I'd like one of these custom things called Cat Holes. They look really fun and hard for any dog to enter. I would feel really special.

I know lots of 'chocoholics', and they make every day a Valentine's Day. They share their favorite chocolates ONLY with their best buddies, and they are always in the know about chocolate. Here's a test to see if you qualify to be a chocoholic--click here.

Even though in the past I've scarfed and appreciated great chocolate with the chocoholics, I'm not one of them, and every Valentine's Day I remind my partner NOT to buy me any chocolate-- especially now that I'm not eating sugar! I don't want any temptations lurking around.

With that said, I found Grist's listing the BEST fair trade chocolates, and so I'm offering this link to you. If you MUST do chocolate, why not do it right? The conditions for chocolate workers are disgusting--think child labor! So why not eat eco-chocolate if you must!

Hint for Basha: Trader Joe's is on the list!

Click here for the list of SIX eco chocolates and their rating by Grist.

Anela Cat isn't the most 'purring' cat I've ever been partnered with. However, I do my best to get her to purr, and for the most part, I succeed. I like to hear a cat purr, but I never knew why until I read a blog post recently. The title of the post was, "Is Your Cat's Purr Healing Her--and You?". You can click here to read the entire post.

Now I know there is another great reason to add a cat to your family. Not only do they chase away ghosts, warn their people of earthquakes and other such things, but they also heal you with their purrs. Let's hear it for cats! Applause!

Anela Cat is taking a break from cat blogging today and has returned to cat dozing. She sends contented purrs to all the other cats on Cats On Tuesday.

		© Michael Berberman

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. yohimbe–common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen that is native to western Africa. The bark of the tree contains a chemical called yohimbine. The amount of yohimbine in dietary supplements may vary; some yohimbe products have been found to contain very little yohimbine. However, a standardized form of yohimbine–yohimbine hydrochloride–is available as a prescription medicine that has been studied and used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Common Names–yohimbe, yohimbe bark

Latin Names–Pausinystalia yohimbe

What It Is Used For

• Yohimbe bark has traditionally been used in Africa as an aphrodisiac (to increase sexual desire).
• The herb is currently used for sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction in men.

How It Is Used

• As a dietary supplementA product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs., the dried bark of the yohimbe tree is used as a tea and taken by mouth. An extract of the bark is also put into capsules and tablets.

What the Science Says

• It is not known whether yohimbe is effective for any health conditions because clinical trials have not been conducted on the bark or its extract.*

^*Although numerous studies of the prescription medicine yohimbine hydrochloride have been conducted, their results cannot be interpreted as evidence for the dietary supplement yohimbe.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Yohimbe has been associated with high blood pressure, increased heart rate, headache, anxiety, dizziness, and sleeplessness. Yohimbe can be dangerous if taken in large doses or for long periods of time.
• People should use caution if taking yohimbe with MAO inhibitors or medicines for high blood pressure. Yohimbe should not be combined with tricyclic antidepressants or phenothiazines (a group of medicines used mostly for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia).
• People with kidney problems and people with psychiatric conditions should not use yohimbe.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

Yohimbe bark extract. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on February 5, 2007.

Yohimbe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on February 5, 2007.

Yohimbe bark. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:429-431.

			© Dr. Peter J. Llewellyn

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. valerian–common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia; it is also found in North America.

Common Names–valerian, all-heal, garden heliotrope

Latin Names–Valeriana officinalis

What It Is Used For

• Valerian has long been used for sleep disorders and anxiety.
• Valerian has also been used for other conditions, such as headaches, depression, irregular heartbeat, and trembling.

How It Is Used

The roots and rhizomes (underground stems) of valerian are typically used to make supplements, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts, as well as teas.

What the Science Says

• Research suggests that valerian may be helpful for insomnia, but there is not enough evidence from well-designed studies to confirm this.
• There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether valerian works for anxiety or for other conditions, such as depression and headaches.
• NCCAM is funding a study to look at the effects of valerian on sleep in healthy older adults and in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Studies suggest that valerian is generally safe to use for short periods of time (for example, 4 to 6 weeks).
• No information is available about the long-term safety of valerian.
• Valerian can cause mild side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, and tiredness the morning after its use.
• Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplementA product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. you are using, including valerian. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Sources

Office of Dietary Supplements and National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Questions and Answers About Valerian for Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders. Office of Dietary Supplements Web site. Accessed May 3, 2006.

Valerian. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed May 3, 2006.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed May 3, 2006.

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:394-400.

Awang DVC, Leung AY. Valerian. In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:687-700.

		© Steven Foster

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. turmeric–common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Turmeric, a shrub related to ginger, is grown throughout India, other parts of Asia, and Africa. Known for its warm, bitter taste and golden color, turmeric is commonly used in fabric dyes and foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. It should not be confused with Javanese turmeric.

Common Names–turmeric, turmeric root, Indian saffron

Latin Names–Curcuma longa

What It Is Used For

• In traditional Chinese medicineA whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi. and Ayurvedic medicineA whole medical system that originated in India. It aims to integrate the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat disease. Therapies used include herbs, massage, and yoga., turmeric has been used to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation.
• Turmeric has also been applied directly to the skin for eczema and wound healing.
• Today, turmeric is used for conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gallstones. It is also used to reduce inflammation, as well as to prevent and treat cancer.

How It Is Used

Turmeric’s finger-like underground stems (rhizomes) are dried and taken by mouth as a powder or in capsules, teas, or liquid extracts. Turmeric can also be made into a paste and used on the skin.

What the Science Says

• There is little reliable evidence to support the use of turmeric for any health condition because few clinical trials have been conducted.
• Preliminary findings from animal and laboratory studies suggest that a chemical found in turmeric–called curcumin–may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but these findings have not been confirmed in people.
• NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the active chemicals in turmeric and their effects–particularly anti-inflammatory effects–in people to better understand how turmeric might be used for health purposes.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Turmeric is considered safe for most adults.
• High doses or long-term use of turmeric may cause indigestion.
• In animals, high doses of turmeric have caused liver problems. No cases of liver problems have been reported in people.
• People with gallbladder disease should avoid using turmeric as a dietary supplementA product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs., as it may worsen the condition.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

Turmeric. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on December 27, 2006.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) and curcumin. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on December 28, 2006.

Turmeric root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:379-384.

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb thunder god vine-common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Thunder god vine has been used in China for health purposes for more than 400 years.

Common Names—thunder god vine, lei gong teng

Latin Names—Tripterygium wilfordii

What It Is Used For

• Thunder god vine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for conditions involving inflammation or overactivity of the immune system.
• Orally, thunder god vine is taken for excessive menstrual periods or autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.
• Thunder god vine preparations are also applied to the skin for rheumatoid arthritis.

How It Is Used

Extracts are prepared from the skinned root of thunder god vine.

What the Science Says

• Laboratory findings suggest that thunder god vine may fight inflammation, suppress the immune system, and have anti-cancer effects.
• Although early evidence is promising, there have been few high-quality studies of thunder god vine in people. Results from a small study funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) suggest that an oral extract of the herb may improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in some patients. A larger NIAMS-funded study is comparing thunder god vine with a conventional medicine for rheumatoid arthritis.
• A small study on thunder god vine applied to the skin also found benefits for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
• There is not enough scientific evidence to assess thunder god vine’s use for any other health conditions.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Thunder god vine can cause severe side effects and can be poisonous if it is not carefully extracted from the skinned root. Other parts of the plant-including the leaves, flowers, and skin of the root-are highly poisonous and can cause death.
• The extract of thunder god vine used in the NIAMS study was well tolerated. However, thunder god vine can cause diarrhea, upset stomach, hair loss, headache, menstrual changes, and skin rash.
• Thunder god vine has been found to decrease bone mineral density in women who take the herb for 5 years or longer. This side effect may be of particular concern to women who have osteoporosis or are at risk for the condition.
• Thunder god vine decreases sperm count and so may be associated with male infertility.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

Canter PH, Hyang SL, Ernst E. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials of Tripterygium wilfordii for rheumatoid arthritis. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(5):371-377.

Tao X, Younger J, Fan FZ, et al. Benefit of an extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2002;46(7):1735-1743.

Setty AR, Sigal LH. Herbal medications commonly used in the practice of rheumatology: mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2005;34(6):773-784.

Carter BZ, Mark DH, Schober WD, et al. Triptolide induces caspase-dependent cell death mediated via the mitochondrial pathway in leukemic cells. Blood. 2006;108(2):630-637.

Thunder god vine. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on June 12, 2007.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary and Alternative Medicine. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at http://www.nccam.nih.gov/health/RA on June 13, 2007.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Chinese Thunder God Vine Gives Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Web site. Accessed at http://www.niams.nih.gov/ne/highlights/spotlight/2002/thunder.htm on June 13, 2007.

		© Steven Foster

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. St. John’s wort–common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. St. John’s wort is a plant with yellow flowers.

Common Names–St. John’s wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed

Latin Name–Hypericum perforatum

What It Is Used For

• St. John’s wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain.
• In ancient times, herbalists wrote about its use as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites.
• Today, St. John’s wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.

How It Is Used

The flowering tops of St. John’s wort are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts.

What the Science Says

• There is some scientific evidence that St. John’s wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.
• NCCAM is studying the use of St. John’s wort in a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression.

Side Effects and Cautions

• St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
• Research shows that St. John’s wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it may speed or slow a drug’s breakdown. Drugs that can be affected include:
  • Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
  • Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
  • Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
  • Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
  • Warfarin and related anticoagulants
  • Birth control pills
  • Antidepressants
• When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John’s wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.
• St. John’s wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.
• It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplementA product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. you are using, including St. John’s wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Sources

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John’s Wort and the Treatment of Depression. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed June 30, 2005.

St. John’s Wort. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed June 30, 2005.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed June 30, 2005.

St. John’s wort. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:359–366.

De Smet PA. Herbal remedies. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347(25):2046–2056.

Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group. Effect of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;287(14):1807–1814.